Change is often cited as a constant in life, and for travelers, this reality is amplified.
Camping in Chicken, Alaska
A recent experience in Chicken, Alaska, perfectly exemplifies this. As RVing novices, my journey began with a successful drive along the Alaska Highway from Calgary, Alberta, where we spent a refreshing summer month exploring Alaska. Our return took us on a different path through Chicken, Alaska, via the Top of the World Highway to Dawson City in the Yukon, followed by the Glacier Highway in British Columbia.
I vividly recall the discomfort of showering in Chicken, a small town that swells from 32 residents in summer to just seven in winter. I believed I had sufficient Loonies (Canadian currency) for a hot shower at the campground, but ended up washing with cold water at a sink in an unheated room during the fall chill. My mistake was inserting all my coins at once instead of one at a time before each segment ran out. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility as we found ourselves in a different “home” every few days.
Using Public Transportation in Mexico City
Another lesson in adaptability came during our 2009 three-week excursion in Mexico. We parked our RV in Teotihuacan, home to the ancient ruins of North America’s oldest civilization, about 25 miles northeast of Mexico City. One day, eager to explore the city, we took a public bus to the bustling metropolis, which boasts a population of 18 million and is known for heavy congestion. Our explorations included iconic sites such as the Catedral Metropolitana, Templo Mayor, Plaza de la Constitucion, Palacio Nacional, and the shopping district on Avenida Central, culminating with a visit to Chapultepec, the only authentic castle in North America.
Returning to Teotihuacan, we realized we needed to take the train to reach the bus station. To my surprise, I discovered that men and women were separated in the carriages to minimize unwanted interactions. Reluctant to be apart from my husband, we opted for a taxi instead. Unfortunately, Bill ended up losing his cell phone and a considerable amount of money while navigating the city traffic in that cab. Thankfully, we made it just in time for the last bus back to Teotihuacan, but I regretted not embracing the local customs.
Stopping in Guangzhou, China
On another occasion, I traveled to Melbourne, Australia, to babysit my youngest grandson. In my quest for budget-friendly options, I chose the cheapest flights, which included lengthy layovers in Guangzhou, China. I thought saving money would allow me to explore the country’s second-largest city after Shanghai, but I quickly learned that my seven-hour layover was insufficient. It required two hours each way to reach Guangzhou, so I ultimately spent those hours with my laptop instead.
Complicating matters, my laptop’s battery was nearly depleted, and my technical skills were barely above zero. I struggled with my chargers until I luckily discovered a portable one my husband had packed. With some assistance from a young Chinese couple, I managed to power up. However, when I finally sat down to use the laptop, I was disheartened to find that Facebook is blocked in China. My internet searches redirected me to unfamiliar sites in Chinese, leaving me feeling isolated. I wished I had brought a book instead.
It’s a challenge for a woman in her seventies to embrace change, yet my passion for travel compels me to continue trying. I recognize the need to be better prepared, armed with knowledge and, most importantly, to maintain a positive attitude when faced with the unexpected.
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